The children of two PPL Utilities employees have been named winners in the 2000 National Merit Scholarship competition. PPL has been a sponsor of the scholarship program since 1965.

Receiving four-year scholarship awards and a certificate from the National Merit Scholarship Corp. are Jessica Leonard, daughter of Bruce E. Leonard, PPL's area engineering supervisor in Bethlehem, and Andrew K. Chambliss, son of Kevin V. Chambliss, PPL's manager-Nuclear Operations.

Leonard, a senior at Parkland High School, North Whitehall Township, plans to attend Schreyer Honors College at Penn State's main campus and major in physics. She is a second-generation PPL National Merit Scholar. Both her father and aunt, children of PPL retiree Merle Leonard of Allentown, also received National Merit Scholarships through PPL's participation in the program.

Chambliss, a senior at Bishop O'Reilly High School in Kingston, plans to attend New York University-Tisch School of Arts and major in creative writing.

"It's an honor for PPL to be able to support and recognize the academic achievements, extracurricular accomplishments and leadership skills of the children and grandchildren of PPL retirees and employees," said Lou Ramos, PPL's manager-Community Affairs.

PPL is committed to supporting educational programs. The company's efforts include financial support for colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations and community events as well as sponsorship of a high school energy debate program and environmental education programs. In addition, more than 1,500 PPL employees contribute more than 170,000 hours annually to various organizations through the company's Community of Volunteers program.

Leonard and Chambliss were selected from students in the nationwide National Merit Program who advanced to the finalist level of the competition. Finalists are the highest-scoring entrants in each state, representing less than 1 percent of the state's seniors. Amount of the scholarship awards is based on financial need.

About 400 corporate sponsors representing nearly all sectors of American industry provide funding for the scholarship awards.

"These students are our future leaders," Ramos said. "We're proud to recognize them through the National Merit Scholarship Program."